Evaluation of the possibility of developing and manufacturing integral composite structures for airframe elements

Nowadays, the degree of structural integrity is as important as the specific load bearing capacity. An integral product can be called a product obtained by combining structural elements of different configurations and functional purposes into a single object that does not contain joints. The concept of “integral”, obviously, is synonymous with the concept of “monolithic”. However, the word “monolithic” is traditionally identified with a massive structure, in which all fragments have the same order of measurement. The very concept of “degree of integration” is very conditional, since now there is no clear methodology for its assessment in quantitative terms. Issues related to the design, manufacture and operation of such products should be addressed in a comprehensive manner based on design solutions, technological capabilities, as well as data obtained as a result of strength calculations. In this paper strength calculations were made for metal and composite panels. Besides, composite panel has integral design. Production specifics of integral composite structures as well as advantages and disadvantages.